Welcome to our weekly “walk and talk,” where we bring our weekly walks to you. Our walks are a time to catch up on family life, share online shopping hits and misses, exchange recipes, discuss our newest Netflix binge — all the stuff that friends share with each other. And now we’re sharing with you!
Did you miss a walk? Find all our walk and talks here.
WHAT WE’RE WATCHING
CHRISTA : The Pale Blue Eye (Netflix) is a murder mystery set at West Point in 1830. Christian Bale plays the lead detective assigned to the case, and enlists the aid of Edgar Allen Poe to gather information from the cadets. The movie keeps you guessing until the end when it offers an unexpected twist to the story. If you like period pieces or whodunits, this will definitely interest you.
MEGAN : I’m not usually into action thrillers (more of a rom com girl) but No Escape (Netflix) circa 2015 (how did I miss this?) was really good. Based on real events, it’s a story about an American family that relocates to Southeast Asia for work and there is a coup on the first night they arrive. It throws the entire city under tumult and they have to escape. Owen Wilson and Lake Bell (cameo by Pierce Brosnan) are well cast, my ex pat friends will love this one.
WHAT WE’RE WEARING
CHRISTA : No excuse not to get outside this winter if you have the right gear, and mine definitely kept me warm when it was 30 degrees. I was also giving some new sneakers a test drive. I purchased five different shoes from Zappos and the Skechers D’Lux Walker Infinite Motion were the winners — runs TTS, light weight yet supportive, my feet felt great after 7,500 steps, only $55! Plus, they are machine washable! Sale alert: My Michael Kors packable puffer is on sale at Dillard’s.
SHOP THE LOOK
MEGAN : It was chilly out for this morning’s walk, but I layered up and was plenty warm. There is something about walking with a friend that resets the mind and soul. We laughed and talked and the three miles sped by. Get out and walk with a friend, bring your dog, and if your friend can’t walk in person — call them up and chat on the phone while you do a few loops around your ‘hood.
SHOP THE LOOK
WHAT WE’RE READING
MEGAN : Let’s talk about Prince Harry’s new book. Are we reading it? I mean, of course I’m going to read it, I’m a total looky lou. But are we done yet? The Oprah interview, the Netflix series, a book or two or three… I feel like this might be too 2022. Let me know in the comments if you’re reading all the spilled tea like me.
WHAT WE’RE LISTENING TO
MEGAN : Have you listened to Second Life podcast? I look forward to each episode, it’s a spotlight on women who have made careers pivot mid-life. Really interesting and inspiring people (mostly creatives) that have done some cool stuff. New episodes drop on Mondays.
WHAT MEGAN’S COOKING
Hey friends, it’s been a while! I’m dusting off my apron this week and making soup. Susie Wright from So Susie shared that she was cooking this sausage and lentil soup and I jumped on the bandwagon. The original recipe is from Ina Garten in 2004, but I tweaked it a little. Final result? Ian ate two bowls, perfect for a cold winter night.
Lentil Sausage Soup
www.StyleAmongFriends.com
Equipment
- 1 dutch oven or a big pot
Ingredients
- 1 lbs French green lentils
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cups diced yellow onions (3 large)
- 4 cups chopped leeks (2 leeks)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic (2 cloves)
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 1/2 tspn pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh minced thyme leaves I used dried
- 3 cups diced celery (8 stalks)
- 3 cups diced carrots (4-6 carrots)
- 3 quarts chicken stock I used bone broth
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 lbs kielbasa cut in 1/2 lengthwise and slice 1/3 inch thick I used turkey kielbasa
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar or dry red wine
- freshly grated parmesan, for serving
- 1 tspn cumin
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cover the lentils with boiling water and allow to sit for 15 min. Drain.
- In your dutch oven over medium heat, heat olive oil and saute onions, leeks, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme and cumin for 20 min. Or until veggies are soft and translucent.
- Add the celery and carrots and saute for another 10 min. Add the chicken stock, tomato paste and drained lentils, cover and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 30 min, add the keilbasa.
- Simmer for 30 min. Add the red wine vinegar and stir.
- Serve with fresh grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
SOMETHING QUICK TO READ
CHRISTA : Does anyone else feel like you have to finish a series once you start? My husband has no trouble moving on, but I just can’t let one go once I start something no matter how bad it is (I’m looking at you, season 15 of Supernatural)! Well, here’s another form of self-care in 2023 — quitting in the middle of a show you’re just not that into! Ladies, it ok.
RANDOM STUFF WE LIKE
CHRISTA : These Makeup Eraser cloths were on my holiday gift guide for friends because I had heard so much about them — why did I wait so long to try them myself? They’re great at taking off makeup, including mascara! I follow these at night with my favorite Colleen Rothschild cleansing balm. Give ’em a try!
MEGAN : This is kind of embarrassing but I’m obsessed with my kitchen hygrometer/thermometer. This little sucker has a magnet that sticks to my fridge, so convenient. I love knowing if the humidity in my house is on track and the temp, of course. Under $8. Woulda been a great stocking stuffer!
SOMETHING TO GIFT (THAT THEY’LL LOVE!)
CHRISTA : This new collection of candles, mugs, trays and more from Lauren McIntosh, exclusively on Anthropologie, makes a perfect Valentine’s Day gift for someone special — or just grab a few items to keep on-hand in your gift closet. (Love these candles!)
ICYMI…
CHRISTA : Megan shared the ABC men’s classic fit pants from Lululemon in her holiday gift guide for him. I was influenced and bought a pair for my son. His review: “These are a game changer — sweatpants with a belt loop basically.” (And he’s already asking for another pair!) Check them out for the guys in your life — they’ll thank you!
MEGAN : I bought the Lululemon pants for my son that just entered the working world and he loves them! Perfect for golf, in person work meetings or happy hour with friends. If your son/hubby/man in your life needs some new pants that look as good as they feel, these are for you. Run true to size and available in multiple inseams. They wash and dry like a dream, no ironing needed and for 20 something boys this is a must.
FRIENDS SHARE THE GOOD STUFF
FROM OUR STYLISH FRIEND DANNIELLE : “Look what I’m drinking while reading your post! Happy Friday!”
Thanks, Dannielle! This made our day! Style Among Friends and diet Cokes…both meant to be shared with friends! If you’re enjoying our blog, don’t forget to subscribe and forward it to your friends.
Have something you love or can’t live without? Did you find a great deal? Just want to say hi? Share with us and we’ll pass it along…because friends share the good stuff!
READER REQUEST
CHRISTA : I have a question for you! This week, the newest Soma collection hit my inbox, and I’m loving all the pink!!! If you’re a shopper at Soma, what products do you recommend? Would love to hear your Soma recommendations in the comments! #friendssharethegoodstuff
Is there something you’re looking for? Let us know! Drop us a note and we’ll get right on it!
AND, HERE’S WHERE WE WALKED
Warm workout gear plus good conversation, and we hardly noticed the dreary weather. Grab a buddy and hit the trails — it’ll warm your soul to get a good walk and talk in on these long winter days! And no excuses when you have the right winter gear! (And if you think it’s too cold to walk, here is a reminder of the 50 Benefits of Walking.)
Start 2023 with some new sneakers! Megan’s sneakers // Christa’s sneakers
CHRISTA’S WALK AND TALK LINKS
- The Pale Blue Eye (Netflix)
- walk and talk outfit — fleece leggings // coat // Spanx pullover // sneakers // hat // scarf
- Makeup Eraser cloths — with my favorite Colleen Rothschild cleansing balm
- gift idea!! Lauren McIntosh, exclusively on Anthropologie (love these candles!)
- quick read — quitting in the middle of a show you’re just not that into
- ICYMI — ABC men’s classic fit pants from lululemon
- Don’t forget to share your Soma recommendations in the comments!
MEGAN’S WALK AND TALK LINKS
- No Escape (Netflix), circa 2015
- walk and talk outfit — fleece joggers // coat // sweatshirt // socks // sunglasses // shoes
- Prince Harry’s new book
- Second Life podcast
- hygrometer/thermometer
WHAT’S HAPPENING ON THE BLOG
On Tuesday we shared the Best of December — your top five favorites and our five favorites from the past month. Did any of yours make the list?
Coming soon…a quick trip to the outlet mall. What bargains will we find? Stay tuned!
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Love the photo of the cute LuluLemon model sporting his new pants! Thanks for the pants tip! Always love reading your blog posts, Megan and Christa! Great job!
The pants are great and the Lululemon model says, thanks!
I made the lentil soup tonight for dinner! It was delicious! And I plan to get Scott the Lululemon pants for Valentines’s Day! They look so nice on Patrick! Thanks for the recommendations!
Glad you like the soup Bessie, so did we! So I good I might make it again this week. The Lululemon pants are a winner!